Iraqi PM Mohammed al-Sudani arrived in Washington DC on 13 April as Iranian drones and missiles were flying over his country en route to Israel. Baghdad had prepared for the visit for more than a year, and as the region watched Iran’s unprecedented attack unfold, Mr Sudani was left again seeking to balance his country’s relationships with the US and Iran.

During his 15 April meeting with US President Joe Biden, the Iraqi PM said he supported “all the efforts of stopping the expansion of the area of conflict, especially the latest development,” and without mentioning either Israel or Iran, he added that “we encourage all to practice restraint and to protect the safety and security of the region.” (CONTINUED - 1791 WORDS)